Bolzans to present lecture on overcoming life’s obstacles

DeKalb, Ill. — If every memory you ever
created suddenly ceased to exist, what would you change in your life?

Northern Illinois
University alumni Scott and Joan Bolzan will revisit their alma mater to deliver
an inspiring presentation based on their tell-all book, “My Life, Deleted: A
Memoir.”

The lecture will
be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, in the Duke Ellington Ballroom of the
Holmes Student Center. Admission is free, and the event is open to the public.

On the morning of
Dec. 17, 2008, Scott slipped on an oily substance in his office bathroom, causing
him to fall and smash his head on the hard floor below. With a laceration deep
enough to reveal his skull, Scott was rushed to a hospital, where it was discovered
that he was not only losing blood, he was losing his memory.

Doctors initially
believed his condition was a temporary setback, but as the days and weeks
passed, his condition went unchanged. Scott suffered a rare and debilitating
condition known as retrograde amnesia. His memory would never return.

With his wife Joan
by his side, Scott was faced with the unenviable goal of relearning every
moment of his past, which included rebuilding the relationships he created with
his friends, parents, wife and children.

Meanwhile, Joan bore
the load of becoming the sole financial supporter and decision maker for their
family.

Although the struggles they encountered were challenging,
the Bolzans are now professional speakers who share with audiences their story of
overcoming life’s obstacles.

“We are not only
thrilled to be on campus again, but we’re so excited to gain a relationship
with current students by sharing our story. We once walked the same paths that
they’re walking now,” Joan said. “When we were at NIU, we had our entire future
ahead of us – we thought we had a solid plan for success.”

Instead, they
learned there is no planning for the unforeseen.

“We hope to share
our insight with current students,” Joan said. “With every obstacle there is
opportunity, and your connections, relationships and friends that are formed at
NIU will impact the rest of your life.”

As an NIU student,
Scott enjoyed success as an offensive lineman for the Huskies, earning First
Team All Mid-America Conference Offensive Lineman and All-American honorable
mention. He was drafted by the NFL’s New England Patriots in 1984, but injuries
shortened his professional football career. Joan excelled as a competitive
gymnast and head cheerleading coach during her time on campus. She graduated Magna
Cum Laude from the NIU School of Nursing in 1988.

"Our students have a
chance to hear a story of overcoming tremendous odds from two remarkable
alumni," Jill Zambito, director of Student Involvement and Leadership
Development, said. "Their presentation will be student-centered and
include stories from their time here at NIU."

For more information, contact
Student Development at (815) 753-1421 or studentdevelopment@niu.edu.